FW: [diamondbackterrapins] Re: hatchling tank setup

[Michelle E. McGuffin]

Didn___t see this come up___ so I___m resending. —–Original Message—– From: Michelle E. McGuffin [mailto:me.mcguffin@…] Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 11:10 AM To: ‘diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com’ Subject: RE: [diamondbackterrapins] Re: hatchling tank setup They often like frozen krill (from the petstore), as well as scallops and cooked shrimp (from the freezer section of your grocer) ___ you will likely have to shred it some or get ___shrimp meat_ to feed tiny mouths. Mine don___t care for mussels or clams too much but they do also like sardines, mackerel, anchovies and smelts (also found in the frozen fish section of some grocers). Note: feeding too many smelts (any maybe other fishes) alone can potentially cause a deficiency in thiamine and Vit E. My guys also enjoy eating sheets of seaweed (kelp and dulse esp.) usually found in the oriental or health foods section. If it___s in the oriental section___ figuring out what kind of seaweed is in the package can be rather daunting sometimes. J One hatchling/juvenile of mine is always ___cleaning_ their basking rock that is partially submerged. The light over this rock is quite intense and can therefore grow algae quite quickly (especially if I___m slack in the water changes). I never realized they enjoyed ___greens_ at all until I caught the little bugger biting at his rock! I had never seen them eat at the seaweed I had placed in there previously (but it seemed to disappear ok). I have since seen them eat the seaweed___ they seem to quite enjoy it. Some more than others it seems___ but I figure if they need or want it, its there for them. Floating some cuttlebone (from the bird section of the petstore) in their tank gives them a somewhat entertaining form of calcium to munch on. Some use crushed coral as a substrate with this in mind as well. A constantly available source of calcium is something that shouldn___t be overlooked I agree that temperature is important in stimulating appetite___ as well as regular bright photoperiods over their basking areas. Investing in a good heater and thermometer is well worth it in my view. If a turtle thinks its cool and dark like winter___ it will act accordingly. They depend on external stimuli/conditions in order to be active and eat. They are ectotherms (poikilotherms) and need warm temps to keep their metabolism going. Best of luck with your new friend! They sure bring lots of smiles and enjoyment. He/she___s lucky to have someone so interested in their wellbeing. Michelle —–Original Message—– From: diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com [mailto:diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of keith Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 10:30 AM To: diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com Subject: [diamondbackterrapins] Re: hatchling tank setup Not sure if it was mentioned yet but water temp has quite an impact on their appetite. I’d recommend keeping the hatchlings water @ 80 degrees to help stimulate it. Instinct tells them not to remain in an open area where they could easily be picked off, like a feeding tub may represent to them. It seems to be less stressful for them if they are fed in their enclosure, at least until they are eating well. Along w/ the foods mentioned, you can also try feeding small pieces of earthworms, as well as live tubifex/blood worms. Keep us posted on how it’s doing! Keith — No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.6.5 – Release Date: 6/7/2005

[Author]

Posts